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Home | Fort Hood News | Fort Hood Soldiers compete like Dallas Cowboys at USAA Salute to Service NFL Bootcamp

Fort Hood Soldiers compete like Dallas Cowboys at USAA Salute to Service NFL Bootcamp

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, greets U.S. Army Soldiers participating in the USAA Salute to Service Boot Camp in the Ford Center at the Star, Frisco, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025. Every year, U.S. Army Soldiers are invited to take part in the USAA Salute to Service Boot Camp—an experience that includes VIP hospitality, giveaways, a tour of the National Medal of Honor Museum, and exclusive access to team practice games. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Julian Winston)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Soldiers from Fort Hood’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program took the field at AT&T Stadium August 19 for the USAA Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp, a unique opportunity to train like Dallas Cowboys players and compete for prizes.

The boot camp featured drills mirroring those used by NFL coaches to evaluate talent, including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, three-cone shuttle, receiving gauntlet and quarterback arm challenge. A live digital leaderboard tracked participants’ scores in real-time, with the winning team earning tickets to the Cowboys’ annual Salute to Service game.

“Being a Dallas Cowboys fan myself, it was really fun going from the nosebleeds to right on the field where they play,” said Sgt. Amber Solis, Fort Hood BOSS vice president.

Spc. Kristopher Landry, a tactical power generation specialist with 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, excelled in the athletic challenges, winning the 40-yard dash, the three-cone drill and the long jump.

Pfc. Janzel Candelario, a fire control specialist assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, performs the broad jump as part of the USAA Salute to Service Boot Camp in the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025. Every year, U.S. Army Soldiers are invited to take part in the USAA Salute to Service Boot Camp—an experience that includes VIP hospitality, giveaways, a tour of the National Medal of Honor Museum, and exclusive access to team practice games. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Julian Winston)

“It feels good (to win),” said Landry. “I’m not where I need to be, but it’s still good to feel like I can keep up or be better than them.”

Following the athletic competitions, the service members received an exclusive tour of the National Medal of Honor Museum to learn about the service and sacrifice of the service members who came before them.

“Seeing the heroes who served before me and wore the same uniform before I did, it was truly amazing to see,” said Spc. Robert Winston, an automated logistics specialist with 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

The Soldiers finished their day enjoying a VIP viewing experience of the Cowboys’ practice at The Star. Before practice, Soldiers were able to meet Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and high five players on their way to the field.

“I’ve never been a part of BOSS event, so it’s my first time,” said Sgt. Sadie Clark, an aircraft powerplant repairer also with 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “I’m excited to get back to work and tell everybody about my amazing experience.”

Additional photos: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9267888/us-army-soldiers-take-part-usaa-salute-service-boot-camp